Literary Analysis

Gabrielle Miller
Social norms are present for every individual in society, and as members of society, each individual possesses unique attributes and genuine characteristics. In the article, “Serving up Hope,” written by Stephanie Shapiro, a story is told about a couple who chooses to looks beyond stigmas and in doing so provides former drug and substance abusers with the opportunity to prove themselves and put their attributes to use. In Rudolfo Anaya’s short story, “B. Traven is Alive and Well in Cuernavaca,” Anaya describes a trip taken to Mexico, in order to find inspiration to write a story of his own. This quest for inspiration proves to be a difficult one for Anaya, and in the end he finds that it is an everyday common man, who held the power to motivate him. The poem, “End of April,” the speaker expresses current feelings of loneliness and emptiness in life. These emotions are present in every individual at one point in time, and as a result are very relatable to readers.
Galen and Bridget Simpson opened the Dogwood Deli, as a way to give back to the community through providing former convicts and substance and drug abusers with a place of employment, and with hope for a career. Through this “commitment to social justice, Sampson is creating a sorely needed avenue for men and women transitioning back to society,” says Shapiro. This act of promoting justice helps these individuals to get their lives back on track, through the Simpson’s decision to take a chance on them. Through this opportunity, they are no longer viewed as ex-convicts or addicts, rather they are viewed as everyday people with the opportunity to excel and progress.
Similarly, in Anaya’s story the speaker describes the prolonged process of finding inspiration in Mexico to write a story. Ironically, after searching for an extensive period of time, inspiration is found in the uneducated gardener, Justino. By the end of the story, Justino proves that his lack of education does not hinder his knowledge of culture and its importance. “B. Traven is Alive and Well in Cuernavaca,” reminds readers that motivation is found in everyday people and reality, and that society commonly overlooks certain individuals and deems them incompetent as a result of their status.
Imagery is the most prevalent element used in the poem “End of April,” as a method in which the speaker uses to express feelings of loneliness. The broken egg is used as a symbol to represent the speaker’s broken and empty heart, because it has lost all of its internal elements. The speaker uses the common reference of nature as a way to relate to his deepest emotions and sorrows. Although feelings of distress are difficult to overcome, as readers we are reminded that these emotions are commonly present and universally held.
The theme of social norms and the reality of everyday life and its people is present in all three of these works, and each stresses the importance of society to embrace the unity that all members individuals withhold. Each author reminds readers that we are all equal, and status and stigma should not hinder the ability